SOUTHWESTERN Bell wants to raise rates

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is studying Southwestern Bell's plan to raise rates in towns where residents can now call farther without long-distance charges. <br><br>The company plans to re-classify

Friday, August 31st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is studying Southwestern Bell's plan to raise rates in towns where residents can now call farther without long-distance charges.

The company plans to re-classify about a third of Oklahoma towns, which means those customers would pay more in monthly fees. Southwestern Bell says the price for basic local service is based on the number of lines customers can reach without incurring long distance charges. The rates go up as the cities grow.

The rate hike will increase Bell's annual revenue by nearly $12-million.